"You Smell So Good" Compliments Are Directly Linked to This Kind of Perfume

Key notes: Ambrette, magnolia, sandalwood, violet, cedarwood, Chantilly musk, crisp amber

Mojave Ghost is one of the top-selling fragrances from cult-loved perfume brand Byredo. It smells like a crisp autumn day—warm, woody and, as you might have gleaned from its name, inspired by the Mojave Desert. I love this one for its balance: there's a softness to the sandalwood that stops the fragrance from feeling too dry or traditionally woody, while hints of amber and musky notes give it that cosy, skin-like quality. It's the sort of perfume I reach for when I want something polished but effortless, with enough warmth to work beautifully both now and when the weather cools.

Key notes: Sandalwood, cedar, cypress, coriander

This best-selling sandalwood perfume from Diptyque is inspired by Indochina forests—it's spicy but has, as the brand describes, a "velvety, milky" scent to keep it grounded and earthy. For me, this is sandalwood in its most soothing form: creamy, smooth and woody without ever becoming overwhelmingly heavy. Cedar and cypress add a little freshness, while the sandalwood itself gives the fragrance its soft, enveloping quality. It's understated, but still feels luxurious and distinctive—like all good Diptyque scents.

Key notes: Skin musk, bergamot nectar, sheer jasmine, fresh cyclamen, neroli blossom, orange flower, sandalwood Australia oil, blonde wood, white musk

"If you’re not sure where you stand on sandalwood perfumes, then I'd consider this the ultimate entry point to this fragrance family as it's just so damn wearable," says freelance beauty editor Mica Ricketts. "Rather than smelling overwhelmingly woody, the sandalwood here gives this otherwise quite musky and skin-like scent a creamy, grounded quality for a really cosy effect. It's soft, powdery, and smells incredibly up close—and is one of my most-worn perfumes ever. Plus, it's one of my most-complimented fragrances too."

Key notes: Sandalwood, bitter cacao

Serge Lutens (one of the premier fragrance houses in Paris) describes this sandalwood perfume as "sandalwood with a capital S," and quite honestly, we'd have to agree. Rich, velvety and luxurious, this one is for the sandalwood hall-of-famer and not a rookie. There's a gorgeous creaminess to the woodiness here, with cocoa adding an unexpected richness that makes the scent feel almost edible without tipping into gourmand perfume territory. I find this one particularly beautiful in the colder months, when its warmth really comes into its own. If you love fragrances that feel opulent, sensual and unmistakably niche, this is one to try.

Key notes: Cedarwood, sandalwood, cardamom, iris, violet, ambrox, leather

No sandalwood perfume collection would ever be complete without this icon from Le Labo, which, apart from the Chanel No.5s of the world, just might be the most famous perfume of all time. The addition of cedarwood strategically enhances the obvious all-star: Australian sandalwood. It's woody, smoky and slightly spicy, with a dry quality that makes it feel much more modern than a traditionally creamy sandalwood fragrance. And despite its cult status (which means you will smell instantly recognisable when you spritz this on), I still think Santal 33 deserves a place on any sandalwood shortlist because it really is one of those scents that changed the fragrance landscape.

Key notes: Yuzu, bergamot, Sichuan pepper, lotus, mimosa, violet leaves, jasmine, musk, liquorice, sandalwood

Practically fizzy but with an earthiness unlike other fruity fragrances on the market, Yuzu is one of the most unique, compliment-worthy sandalwood perfumes on our vanity. The bright citrusy yuzu opening gives it an almost sparkling quality, while sandalwood adds a creamy, woody base that stops all that freshness from feeling sharp or overly sweet. I particularly like the contrast between the juicy fruitiness and the warmer woods—it makes this feel far more interesting than your typical citrus fragrance. If you're not usually drawn to sandalwood because you find woody perfumes too heavy, this is a great place to start.

Key notes: Lysylang, mahonial, amyris essence, sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli, ylang-ylang, vanilla, benzoin, labdanum

"This is my first foray into Floraïku Paris's fragrances, and if they're as beautiful as this one, then I can't wait to discover more. This is a beautifully elevated skin scent that manages to bottle the dreaminess of the end of summer," says Ricketts. "Inspired by the warmth of sun on skin, it combines creamy sandalwood with powdery, musky notes to create something that feels incredibly warm and luxurious. Whenever I spray it, I feel like the kind of woman that exclusively wears white linen and stays at 5-star resorts. In reality? I'm usually just on the school run, but I feel undeniably polished and elegant doing so thanks to this."

Key notes: Rosewood, cardamom, oud wood, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, amber

Oud Wood is the ultimate perfume for anyone who doesn't like a scent that feels too precious or contrived. It features an expert strategy of forest-scented woods that smell classic and comforting yet rare and enticing. According to Tom Ford, Oud Wood envelops the wearer (or sniffer) in rare oud, exotic spices and cardamom before unfolding into a blend of smells that are rich, dark and sensual. Sandalwood brings a creamy smoothness to all those deeper notes, making the fragrance feel luxurious without being overly sweet. It's sophisticated but relaxed, and one of those scents that somehow works equally well with jeans or eveningwear.

Key notes: Violet, cashmeran, heliotrope, sandalwood, white musk

The brainchild of legendary perfumer Maurice Roucel, this warm and luxurious-smelling sandalwood number is said to be inspired by the comforting feeling of an embrace. I think that's a pretty accurate description: there's something wonderfully cocooning about this fragrance, which combines sandalwood with patchouli, cashmeran and incense for a woody scent that's warm, musky and slightly smoky. Unlike some sandalwood perfumes that lean very creamy or sweet, Dans Tes Bras has a darker, more mysterious side to it. It's the kind of fragrance I would save for evenings or colder days when I want something that feels intimate and enveloping.

Key notes: Sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon, amber wood

Fun fact: Maison Louis Marie has been creating some of the most delicate botanical-based scents since 1792. This one is a true sandalwood star and is the perfect balance between spicy, earthy and sweet. I love how wearable Bois de Balincourt feels—it has the warmth you'd expect from sandalwood, but cedarwood and vetiver give it a little more freshness and definition. There's also a subtle sweetness that softens the woods without making the fragrance feel sugary. It's a particularly good option if you like that expensive-smelling, minimalist aesthetic in fragrance: understated, polished and incredibly easy to wear every day.

Key notes: Sea salt, pink pepper, olive tree accord, fig, lavender, cedarwood, sandalwood, amber

"This is a fresh, modern, and slightly unexpected take on a sandalwood scent, which is perfect if you don't always love the warm and creamy notes that sandalwood tends to be paired with," says Ricketts. "Here, the warmth of sandalwood is paired with salt, woods and a subtle peppery spice, creating a scent that feels earthy and skin-like rather than traditionally sweet. I love the contrast between the mineral, almost coastal quality and the smoothness of the sandalwood underneath—it gives the fragrance plenty of character while keeping it incredibly wearable."

Key notes: Radiant wood, copper, cedar, sandalwood, radiant iris, boronia, balsam fir absolute, coconut musk, ambergris

Out of all of DS & Durga's fantastically unique scents, Radio Bombay has to be one of our all-time favourites. Sandalwood leads at the heart of this perfume, but unexpected accents from creamy peach, coconut and musk keep it marshmallow smooth. There's a fascinating warmth to it that makes it feel both woody and slightly creamy, while notes of cedar and amber add depth underneath. As with so many DS & Durga fragrances, there's a whole story behind the scent, inspired by the warmth and atmosphere of Bombay. I find it particularly addictive.

Key notes: Bergamot, neroli, cedarwood heart, sandalwood, vanilla, orange flower water, guaiac wood

A warm and woody aroma, this fragrance is calming and ripe with some serious notes of sandalwood. It'll wrap you in an aura of earthy mystery. What I particularly like about Sandalwood Temple is that it doesn't try to make sandalwood something it's not—the woodiness is front and centre, but there's a softness and warmth that makes it incredibly easy to wear. It's grounded with creamy woods and subtle spice, giving it a meditative quality without feeling too incense-heavy. If you want a sandalwood fragrance that feels peaceful, sophisticated and slightly mysterious, this is a lovely everyday option.